Posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 22:47:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jujube, posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:27:15
Thanks for your kind words. My aunt and uncle have been relying on their faith to get them through this. My uncle is actually a penticostal minister, and they probably would not be dealing with the situation as well as they have without their faith. The thing that I can not fathom is that, in addition to early stages dementia, my uncle is being treated for high cholesteral and high blood pressure. I was kind of surprised that he would have been put on Effexor as his first antidepressant given his medical history. I told my aunt that Effexor can cause high blood pressure, and, given this, was probably not a good choice for someone who already has high blood pressure. She was so astounded that the doctor would have prescribed the med. Anyways, I am venting. Thanks for listening.
Tamara
> First of all, God bless you for being an instrument of calm and healing for your uncle and aunt.
>
> Now, I have to ask this of everyone: What is it going to take for our country and the FDA to HEAR us and do something? I've contacted several television stations and newspapers and have gotten nowhere. SOMEONE has to know of a reporter who cares, maybe has been through this, who would be willing to make some noise. SOMEONE has to know of a lawyer who would be willing to file a class-action suit against the maker. SOMEONE has to know someone in the FDA who can help. There are too many people suffering because of this DRUG FROM HELL and no one outside of the people here know about it. What can we do??
>
> Okay, enough of my tirade. Anyway, I'm glad you found the site and found that you are normal in what you have experienced. My heart breaks for your aunt and uncle. What a tragedy that a couple in such a sad situation to begin with has to be used as guinea pigs.
>
> I was extremely nauseated for a couple of weeks during the effexor withdrawal. It took four weeks for me to feel "normal." The first two weeks were harder than the second.
>
> Please take care of yourself and tell your aunt that they are in my prayers. Please sign the petition, and get everyone you know to sign it as well. Thanks for your post.
>
> > I, too, am so thankful to have found this board. I am relatively new to this, but have found it extremely catharic. I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (prior to and during this period, I was also significantly iron deficient, which probably contributed greatly to my anxious and apathetic mood). After 6 months on Effexor XR (on doses as high as 225 mg), I just experienced increased lethargy, apathy and apprehension (In over 8 1/2 years, I had only had one episode, which as 8 months ago, that could have been considered an anxiety attack, yet I couldn't shake the "what if" mind set even on a 225 mg of Effexor). My doctor reduced my dose of Effexor XR from 150 mg to 0 over two weeks and started me on Celexa (I wanted to try something natural like Sam-e or Rosavin because I don't want to go through another Effexor-like experience). I have now been 1.5 weeks Effexor free and 1.5 weeks on Celexa. I am not sure if I am simply adjusting to the Celexa or still experiencing residual Effexor withdrawal, but I am sooooo tired, apathetic and nauseated. However, I had been severely nauseated for weeks before stopping the Effexor because of being given Depo Provera (my periods had become irregular and I was having night sweats (possibly caused by the Effexor) and with iron deficiency, bleeding every two weeks was not helping). The Depo Provera has certainly not helped my situation. Nevertheless, I remain confident that, yes, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
> >
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poster:jujube
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/393201.html